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Darren Gunasekara

Darren Gunasekara

Senior Associate
Auckland
About

Darren has acted and advised in a range of industries, on matters including personal grievances, workplace policy reviews, workforce restructuring, workplace health and safety, collective bargaining and assisting employers through regulatory audits and investigations.

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Darren worked in leading national employment law practices in New Zealand and Australia and has completed several secondments to local employer clients in the banking, sport and transport industries.

Darren takes a particular interest in 'global employment' issues and works closely with DLA Piper's global employment team. He has assisted many international companies with matters involving their New Zealand workforces and understands the need to balance local legal compliance against alignment with global and regional strategies.

He is a solutions focused advisor and representative who understands what is important to clients when navigating matters relating to their workforces.

Areas of FocusEmploymentConsumer Goods, Food and RetailFinancial ServicesHealthcareIndustrialsInfrastructure, Construction and TransportInsuranceLife SciencesMedia, Sport and EntertainmentTechnology
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the High Court of Australia, 2020Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, 2019Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, 2018

EXPERIENCE

  • Advising and representing international and local employers through the lifespan of employment disputes, including mediations, settlements, and correspondence with the employee, their legal representative and the court or tribunal.
  • Assisting employers with ensuring their documentation such as employment agreements, workplace policies and procedures are compliant with New Zealand legal requirements and best practice.
  • Advising on the employment elements of corporate transactions, including risks and employee transfer arrangements from seller to buyer.
  • Advising employers on processes at all stages of the employment relationship, including pre-employment checks, medical incapacity processes, redundancies, performance management, conduct and enforcement of post-employment restraint obligations.
  • Delivering practical training to clients' HR departments and in-house legal counsel.
Languages
  • English
Education

  • University of Auckland, LL.B, 2017

  • University of Auckland, BA, Philosophy, 2017

Memberships

  • New Zealand Law Society
  • Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association
  • Law Asia

My latest insights

Publication

Health and Safety Reform – Consultation Process Underway

18 June 2024 .4 minute read

Connect

Phone

+64 93 003 873
(Work, Auckland)
+64 21 470 871
(Mobile, Auckland)
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